The announcement of a special Space Battleship Yamato 50th-anniversary project led by Hideaki Anno, the creator of Neon Genesis Evangelion, is certainly exciting news for fans of both series. Set to launch on October 6, 2024, exactly 50 years after the premiere of Space Battleship Yamato's first episode in 1974, this project aims to celebrate the enduring legacy of the iconic anime.

One of the project's highlights is a series of book publications featuring contributions from notable figures in the anime industry. These include an art book by manga creator and designer Michio Murakawa, as well as a collection of design artwork curated by Star Blazers mechanical designer Junichiro Tamamori. Studio Khara will also oversee the publication of a special 50th-anniversary edition Space Battleship Yamato 1974 Complete Works book, with additional manga releases planned.

In addition to the book publications, an exhibition is reportedly in the works as part of the anniversary celebrations. This event will likely offer fans a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Space Battleship Yamato and appreciate its impact on anime culture over the past five decades.

It's also worth noting the significant influence that Space Battleship Yamato has had on Hideaki Anno and his work on Neon Genesis Evangelion. The themes of space exploration, mecha battles, and the struggles of humanity against overwhelming odds resonate throughout both series, highlighting the enduring appeal of Space Battleship Yamato as a pioneering work in the anime genre.

Hideaki Anno's involvement in the Space Battleship Yamato 50th-anniversary project holds immense significance due to his longstanding admiration for the franchise. Anno has often credited Space Battleship Yamato as a formative influence on his career, acknowledging its role in sparking his passion for anime. In a 2023 post on X (formerly Twitter), Anno expressed gratitude for his encounter with Space Battleship Yamato, stating that it profoundly impacted his life.

This connection to Space Battleship Yamato is evident not only in Anno's words but also in his work, particularly in Neon Genesis Evangelion. Anno's acclaimed series shares numerous visual and thematic elements with Space Battleship Yamato, including themes of humanity's struggle against overwhelming odds and the psychological effects of warfare. Despite premiering nearly two decades after Space Battleship Yamato, Neon Genesis Evangelion is considered foundational to the mecha genre, much like its predecessor.

Coinciding with the anniversary project, Space Battleship Yamato will release a series of seven remake films, beginning with Yamato yo Towa ni: Rebel 3199 (Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199) on July 19, 2024. The official celebration of the 50th anniversary will commence on October 6, 2024, with a special screening of the original series' first episode.

Fans can currently enjoy streaming Space Battleship Yamato on Crunchyroll, while Neon Genesis Evangelion is available on Netflix, allowing viewers to explore the influences and legacies of both iconic series.

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  Neon Genesis Evangelion

  A teenage boy finds himself recruited as a member of an elite team of pilots by his father.

  Release DateOctober 4, 1995

  CastMegumi Ogata , Kotono Mitsuishi , Megumi Hayashibara

  Main GenreAnimation

  StudioGainax, Tatsunoko

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    Space Battleship Yamato (1974)

    In the year 2199, the space battleship Yamato embarks on a voyage to the planet Iscandar, to retrieve a device that will rejuvenate a war-ravaged Earth.

    Release DateOctober 6, 1974

    CastKei Tomiyama , Gorô Naya , Yôko Asagami

    Main GenreScience Fiction

    StudioGroup TAC

Source: Anime News Network, PR Times Japan, Comic Natalie, Studio Khara